Air Fryer Crispy Onions Recipe

I love how this recipe transforms a simple ingredient into a dish bursting with flavor and crunch. The lightly spiced onions come alive with a golden crispiness that elevates the notion of air fried food. It becomes a delightful experience I enjoy sharing with friends and family.

I’ve always been on the lookout for recipes that turn classic ingredients into something unexpectedly delicious. One of my favorites recently has been Air Fryer Crispy Onions.

I start with a large yellow onion, thinly sliced so that it crisps nicely in the Air Fryer. I toss the slices in a couple of tablespoons of all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and sometimes a dash of garlic powder or paprika for a bit of extra flavor.

A light coating of olive oil makes all the difference without the need for deep frying. It’s amazing how these simple ingredients come together to deliver that caramelized taste you usually only find in more complicated dishes.

I’ve experimented with all sorts of air fried recipes over the years and trust me, this one’s a fun twist that really surprises you with its simplicity and crunch. Enjoy digging in!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because the onions come out super crispy and crunchy every time, which is exactly what I look for in a snack. I also appreciate that it uses very little oil, so its a healthier alternative to deep frying without sacrificing flavor. Another thing I like is that its really simple and fast to make, so when I’m in a rush, I can still whip up something tasty. Lastly, the mix of spices like garlic powder and paprika gives the onions a unique, flavorful kick that I just can’t get enough of.

Ingredients

• Onion’s natural sugars caramelize to offer a hint of sweetness and essential fiber, vitamins.
• Flour adds necessary carbohydrates and creates a light, crispy crunchy texture on slices.
• Salt enhances overall taste and naturally balances each ingredient in this dish.
• Pepper adds subtle heat and a pungent aroma boosting the flavor profile overall.
• Garlic powder infuses a warm, savory kick that deepens the onion’s natural taste.
• Paprika gives smoky sweetness, brilliant color and an extra boost to the overall flavor.
• Olive oil crisps the onions while adding healthy monounsaturated fats and rich flavor.
• These simple ingredients combine to create a tasty, healthful treat without extra fuss.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil (or oil spray)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.

2. Thinly slice your large yellow onion and set it aside.

3. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika.

4. Toss the sliced onions in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated.

5. Drizzle with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil (or spray with oil) over the onions and then gently toss again to spread the oil.

6. Place the coated onion slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer so they cook evenly.

7. Cook for about 8 minutes then pause the air fryer and give the onions a good shake.

8. Return the basket back for another 6-8 minutes until the onions are crispy and golden.

9. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t burn.

10. Once done, remove the onions, let them cool a bit and enjoy your crispy air fryer fried onions.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer (with basket)
2. Knife
3. Cutting board
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Tongs or spatula
7. Cooling plate or bowl

FAQ

Air Fryer Crispy Onions Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• You can use rice flour or chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour if youre looking for a gluten free option.
• If you dont have regular salt, try using sea salt or kosher salt as a substitute.
• Swap freshly ground black pepper with white pepper if you want a slightly different flavor profile.
• Instead of garlic powder, you could use one finely minced garlic clove (use a bit less since fresh garlic is stronger).
• If paprika isn’t available, consider using smoked paprika or even a pinch of chili powder to add some extra kick.

Pro Tips

1. Try to spread the onion slices out in a single layer in the air fryer so they cook evenly – if they overlap, parts may get soggy instead of crispy.
2. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the cooking time cuz air fryers can vary a lot, and you dont want to end up with burnt bits.
3. Consider shaking the basket at least once during cooking to help re-distribute the onions. This can help in achieving that even, crispy texture.
4. If you like a little extra flavor, feel free to experiment with additional spices, but be careful not to overdo it or you might mask the natural onion taste.